Car Doctor Q&A

Q

I have a manual transmission in the vehicle that I drive most days. I’m in the habit of keeping the vehicle in gear with the clutch depressed when I’m stopped for a red light and releasing it when I want to go. Is this bad for the vehicle?

A

This is the typical method for driving a manual transmission vehicle which, as I think about it is what I usually do, but it also causes plenty of discussion. Typically, as you are slowing down you keep the clutch engaged, just before you come to a stop you push the clutch pedal in and select neutral and then first gear-foot on the brake and clutch pedal. If you are stopping for longer period, shifting into neutral offers a little less fatigue to the driver. In addition, if you got hit from behind and the car was in gear, your foot may come off the clutch and drive forward. The correct method to minimize clutch component wear is to shift into neutral and keeping your foot on the brake. Sitting with your foot on the clutch pedal puts some pressure on the linkage, clutch bearing and pressure plate.

Q

I lent my friend my 2006 Toyota Corolla (they needed a car, and it didn’t have much of a trade in) and I purchased a 2017 Toyota RAV4 which has a six-year loan. I am looking for some advice. I have taken very good care of the Corolla; it has newer tires, and all the regular maintenance is up to date. The Corolla has been used and has 198,000 miles but is running well. The RAV4 is better in the winter and is fancier inside and has a sunroof. My friend is back on their feet and gave me the Corolla back and I am wondering which car I should keep?

A

As good as the Corolla is at nearly 200,000 miles and 15 years old it may be nearing the end of its useful life. The typical value of the Corolla according to online price guides is $1200-$1900. The RAV4 trade in value is about $15,000. Now certainly you could sell the RAV4, pay off the loan and use the extra money to maintain the Corolla and depending on your own financial situation that could be an option. Although to me keeping the RAV4 with its all-wheel-drive, more safety features and better visibility is the better choice.

Q

I have a 2015 Hyundai Sonata, if I change my halogen headlight bulbs to LEDS, do I need a relay to cancel any dashboard messages?

A

The LED replacement lamps use less current which fools the car into thinking there is a headlight out. So as part on the installation you will need to add a “warning light cancel” kit. Now this is what you do not want to hear. LED replacement lamps are not legal-yes you can buy them, but they are not designed for onroad use. The reflector in the headlight assembly is designed for a certain size bulb and although the LEDS will be brighter, they will be affecting the overall optics of the headlamp and may causing disturbing and dangerous glare to oncoming drivers.

Q

I’m considering a small SUV and notice you have commented favorably about the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and also mentioned that you drive a Hyundai. Two questions why the Hyundai and why no mention of the latest Nissan Roque?

A

I will never recommend a vehicle that I have not evaluated. Nissan has a very limited press fleet and when there was a Roque available, I was not on the approved list to get the vehicle for review (that has recently changed and will

be reviewing the Armada). I purchased a new 2018 Hyundai Santa-fe Sport with all-wheel-drive, because it fit my needs and more importantly my budget.

Q

We have a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek in the family coming up on 60,000 miles. The suggested service at that interval includes replacing the spark plugs. I was surprised to see that. I understand the various fluids that need to be replaced but I don’t think I can recall any other car I’ve had over the years include spark plug replacement as a requirement so soon. I have certainly gone more than twice as many miles in other cars without replacing spark plugs. Do you think it is really necessary to do it so soon with this car and if so, can you help me understand the difference? When I first repaired cars, we would do

A

tune ups once or twice a year and then copper spark plugs came out that lasted much longer in some cases 20,000 miles. Then we moved to platinum which in some cases lasted 100,000 miles or longer. Your car uses Iridium spark plugs that use a fine wire electrode which in most cars last even longer than platinum plugs. All of these advanced spark plugs as good as they are not great at cleaning contamination from the electrodes. I suspect it has to do with the horizontal design of the engine and due to this design picks up a bit more oil contamination. Replacing the sparkplugs in my opinion is money well spent. Sure, you could drive it until the check engine light flashes or the idle gets unsteady, but you risk damaging the very expensive catalytic convertor as well as adding extra pollution to the air.